How to identify
Prepared by
Working Committee on Basic Sciences 2019/2020|National Science Foundation
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Introduction
The accepted procedure of dissemination and validation of research outcomes is
the publication through peer reviewed journals or presentations through well
recognized conferences. With the development of information and communication
technology, ‘Online Journals” are becoming more convenient and effective in
dissemination of knowledge.
However, this has created an avenue for online ‘Fake or Predatory Journals’, which
are not following standard reviewing processes. Some Sri Lankan researchers,
knowingly or unknowingly, have published research findings in such journals.
The NSF Working Committee on Basic Sciences held a discussion on this matter with
the Heads of relevant Research Institutes and Universities in Sri Lanka with the
objective of making the Sri Lankan researchers aware of these Journals and the
harm they cause to research and development. Another objective was to formulate
a mechanism to educate young researchers in Sri Lanka on this issue and to take
precautionary actions to protect them in their career advancement. The discussion
was successfully held with the participation of 35 Senior Scientists/Academics,
including Vice Chancellors or their nominees, Heads of Research Institutes or their
nominees, Chairpersons and Committee members of NSF Working Committees.
Prof. W G D Dharmaratne, Chairman, Working Committee on Basic Sciences,
initated the discussion by introducing the topic and explaining the objectives of the
Seminar. Thereafter, Prof. L.P. Jayatissa, Department of Botany, University of
Ruhuna, Prof. Jayantha Wijeyaratne, Chairman, NSF Research Advisory Board and
Prof. Vijay Kumar, Chairman, National Institute of Fundamental Studies made three
intersting presentations while sharing their experience and knowledge, followed by
an open discussion. Most of the invitees commented and appreciated that it was a
very informative seminar on a very timely topic and gave very useful suggestions.
Finally it was decided to prepare a document based on the points discussed at this
seminar and to circulate among all Universities and Research Institutes to make Sri
Lankan Scientists aware of this crisis. During the presentations and discussions, it
was also discussed about fake conferences.
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Following sections summarize the outcome of the discussion.
a) Editors cannot be clearly identified. Publishers pretend that they are in
developed countries, however, bank details and IP addresses are from
developing countries.
b) The publisher uses email addresses that end in gmail.com, yahoo .com or
other common emails.
c) Publishers do not use standard identifiers such as ISSN or DoI.
d) Maintain attractive websites, attractive names but with false information.
Websites are poorly maintained with prominent misspellings and
grammatical errors.
e) The name of the journal does not adequately reflect its origin.
f) The journal title combines two or more fields which are not normally
treated together.
g) Names of renowned scientists are included in the Editorial Board without
their permission.
h) Within a short period after the submission of an article, a tabulated review
(where the comments are mostly same for everyone) or an editorial
oversight (with 2 or 3 sentences) will be received.
i) As soon as the revised version is submitted it is published online, after that
a publication fee is requested,
• if you cannot pay, it is possible to bargain and reduce the amount.
• if you keep silent emails will be sent continuously asking about
the fee.
j) Publication fee is paid to an individual not to an organization.
k) Same author can publish dozens of papers within a month.
l) Authors must pay more, if a published article is subsequently withdrawn.
m) It is possible to back date and publish papers.
n) Authorships can be purchased.
o) Advertise high impact factors assigned by fake impact factor services.
p) The number of volumes and issues per year are not consistent and no
polices for digital preservation
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a) Same organizers conduct several conferences on diverse topics,
covering a wide scope.
b) Not linked to a professional body or recognized academic organization
or institute.
c) Held at frequent intervals, eg: once a month.
d) Abstracts are reviewed rapidly.
e) Less emphasis on scientific program and more emphasis on social
program or tourism.
f) Papers in absentia are also accepted
a) It was noted that the University Grants Commission and some
Universities have already taking some actions regarding this issue.
b) It was reported that University Grants Commission is in the course of
preparing a document changing the scheme of appointment of
academics and promotion to Professorship considering the quality of
publications and plagiarism.
c) Further, it has been discussed giving authority to Selection Committees
to alter marks with a proper justification, which is currently prohibited.
d) Some Universities are taking actions to educate all junior staff by
preparing a list of credible journals and taking this as a continuous
agenda item at Faculty Boards. In addition, these Universities have
taken actions by the Senate to appoint a Committee to make
recommendations to the University.
e) It was discussed that Journals listed under ‘Sri Lanka Journals Online’
are credible journals.
f) To produce the outcome of this seminar as a publication/leaflet.
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(a) To establish a list of credible journals:
It is not practical to prepare a list of Fake Journals. Therefore, it was
suggested to prepare a list of credible journals covering all possible
research areas. It is advisable to get the information on acceptable journals
from Departments, Faculties and approved at the Senate Level in
Universities. Similar procedure could be followed in other institutes. The
list could be periodically updated.
(b) Inform all Research Institutes, Senior Scientists and Academics to take
proactive measures to avoid publishing in fake journals.
(c) Request University Grants Commission to make necessary changes in the
scheme of appointment of academics and promotion to Professorship
considering the quality of publications avoiding accepting low quality
publications in fake journal. Similar actions shall be taken by other
institutes.
(d) To have a separate body to pass the applications for new appointments or
promotions after checking the quality of publications (to be suggested to
UGC to implement a suitable method in the criteria for Professor
appointments)
(e) Suggest UGC to give authority again to Selection Committees to alter
marks with a proper justification, which is currently not possible, to avoid
giving marks for unacceptable journal/conference publications.
(f) To inform Universities to maintain a list of credible journals/publishers,
and to have a body to check the quality of publications before sending the
thesis for evaluations, if publications are listed in the thesis.
(g) Consider the quality of publications in making awards for researchers,
including the research allowances.
(h) Educate researchers sending papers for internationally recognized
conferences. Financial assistance to attend conferences shall be awarded
only for well recognized conferences.
(i) Suggest NSF to give publicity to this document and educate researchers
and establish a database of quality journals at NSF.
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(j) Encourage Universities and Research Institutes to give publicity to this
document and take necessary arrangements to educate all their staff on
this issue.
(k) NSF Working Committee on Basic Sciences can recommend a resource
person to make a presentation on this issue at any institution, if interested.
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